Martín Yafe has joined our Federation team as new Director of Global Connections.
Martín (pronounced MartEEn) defines himself as a Global Jew. He was born in Argentina where he studied International Relations, worked in the field of Jewish experiential education as Youth and Camp Director, and in the field of security for the Jewish community, where he oversaw emergency preparedness and audited Jewish institutions’ security levels. Martín then moved to Israel where he pursued an MA in Security Studies at IDC-Herzliya (now Reichman University). His journey continued in Sydney, Australia, where he served as Director of Youth Education and Cantor of Emanuel Synagogue, Experiential Educator at Emanuel School, and Education Officer for the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies (the Australian version of a Jewish Federation).
In 2014 Martín moved to New York where he first served as consultant in Israel Education at the JCRC of NY, and then as Planning Executive for UJA Federation of NY. In this capacity, Martín staffed the Israel and the Global allocation committees, heavily engaging in areas such as religious pluralism and shared society in Israel, educational and leadership programs in the FSU and Europe, and the ongoing coordination with JAFI and JDC. In 2018, Martín joined the executive team at the Y of Washington Heights and Inwood as Chief Program Officer, where he oversaw a wide array of programs such as Jewish camping, private and public afterschools, sports and wellness, workforce development, special needs and inclusion, and a Center for Jewish Life which he helped envision and create. Martín, who continues to serve as shaliach tzibbur (“cantor”) for the High Holidays at Midway Jewish Center in Long Island, is a recent graduate of the Mandel Executive Leadership Program, and volunteers for the World Jewish Congress’ Jewish Diplomatic Corps.
On a less formal note, Martín’s favorite food is pizza, he is a huge soccer fan, and his passion – unsurprisingly – is traveling the world. Martín lives with his wife Dahlia and their dog Vashti in the beautiful town of Edgewater, NJ, and he cannot wait to start working with the incredible team of lay leaders and professionals at Federation to strengthen our community’s connections with Israel and global Jewry.
Ariel Erani has joined the Greater MetroWest Israel Office as the new Israel Partnerships Director.
Ariel lives with his family in Neta located in the beautiful Lachish region. As the son of emissary (shlichim) parents who instilled in him a passion for Jewish peoplehood, he has over a quarter of a century of dedicated involvement in fostering Jewish peoplehood initiatives. At his last position as CEO of Herzog Global, the international department of Herzog College, he oversaw a multitude of impactful programs across four continents and three languages. His extensive background in Jewish education, as a World Zionist Organization Shaliach in various roles, including school principal and community leader in Toronto, Canada, has deepened his connection to diverse communities and their potential for positive change.
Ariel is excited to bring my wealth of experience and leadership expertise to our Greater MetroWest community, forging meaningful connections and driving transformative engagement.